According to market players, onion seed farmers in Faridpur, a significant growing district in southern Bangladesh, are experiencing a bumper harvest this year due to favorable weather conditions during cultivation. This is a welcome change following poor yields in the previous season, where much of the crop was damaged by adverse weather and pests. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Faridpur reports that 1,867 hectares of land were dedicated to onion seed cultivation this year, with an expected yield of 747 tonnes. In contrast, only 258 tonnes were produced from 1,714 hectares of land in 2022.
During a recent visit to the Ambikapur area of Faridpur, it was observed that onion seed growers were actively preparing their harvest for sale. Last year, farmers faced low prices and inadequate yields as cheaper Indian onion seeds flooded the market, both through legal and illegal channels. However, this year, with sufficient local production, farmers are optimistic about obtaining better prices. They have invested heavily in cultivation, hoping for improved returns. Nonetheless, the farmers emphasize the need for proper marketing channels and government support to ensure fair prices and promote the purchase of locally-produced onion seeds.